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Learn about a country's people and culture before visiting

Before visiting a country, you can learn about its people and be aware of things like its customs, religion and language.

A few tips on how to get you started:

• get a good guidebook and find out about local laws, customs and culture
• ideally learn the local language and at least take a phrase book
• respect local customs and dress codes, think about what you wear and how you fit in
• be discreet about your views on cultural differences and behave and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting religious sites, markets and rural communities
• you should take particular care not to offend local codes of dress and behaviour with regards to sexual relations, alcohol and drugs - in some countries, for example, it is illegal to drink, and importing alcohol into the country can lead to severe penalties
• always ask an individual's permission before you take a photograph and respect their wishes - in some cultures, taking a woman's photograph can cause great offence
• don't haggle too aggressively, in most countries where haggling is the norm, it is done with humour and not for too long - it is important to remember that the discount you are haggling over could be a few pence for you, but a significant means of income for a seller
• it is best to err on the side of caution - behaviour that would be regarded as innocuous elsewhere can lead to serious trouble

Find out some facts and stats about a country

You can perhaps research the country’s location in relation to the UK. What the capital, population or ethnic make-up is. You can find out what the currency is and exchange rates.

Try and find out what the weather is like. What the latest news is or a sense of the country's history. What the international dialling code is or time difference to the UK.

More useful information

• Country travel advice (travel and transport section)

• Consulates and embassies (travel and transport section)